How Savannah’s Unique Roads Contribute to Distracted Driving Accidents?
Distracted driving continues to be a serious problem across the country, with texting and talking on the phone at the top of the list of most common distractions. In Savannah, distracted driving accidents cause thousands of devastating yet preventable fatalities each year. In fact, there is an increased risk for distracted driving accidents in the city’s popular historical area, where locals and tourists alike can be easily distracted by the popular sights, including the iconic fountain in Forsyth Park to River Street, the bustling waterfront area with a range of restaurants and bars. Many of these accidents can be prevented if motorists always keep their attention focused on the road. If you are injured in a distracted driving accident in Savannah, do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Different Types of Distracted Driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving. Three main types of distracted driving are visual, manual, and cognitive. While each of these behaviors is unsafe, motorists often engage in more than one type of distracted driving behavior, which can significantly increase the risk of a serious car accident. The three types of distracted driving include the following:
- Visual: Any task or behavior causes the driver to look away from the road ahead. Visual distractions include reading or sending a text, looking for something in the back seat, or adjusting the GPS.
- Manual: This type of distracted driving occurs when the driver takes their hand off the steering wheel. Sending a text message, eating, and reaching for an item on the floor or passenger seat are examples of manual distractions.
- Cognitive: This is any task that causes a driver’s attention to be focused on something other than driving. For example, arguing with another passenger in the vehicle causes a motorist to focus on the argument, rather than driving. Texting on the phone while driving is an example of distracted driving behavior that involves all three types of distractions, which can be particularly dangerous.
How Dangerous Is Distracted Driving in Savannah?
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), if a motorist is driving 55 mph during the roughly five seconds it takes to send or read a text message, it is comparable to driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in distracted driving accidents in Savannah as a result of too many motorists engaging in many of the distracted driving behaviors discussed above. In response to this, Georgia passed the Hands-Free Georgia Act, effective July 1, 2018. This prohibits motorists from the following:
- Holding or supporting a phone while driving
- Reading, writing, or sending text messages
- Watching videos or movies other than navigation displays
- Recording or broadcasting videos
How Can I Avoid a Distracted Driving Accident?
While you cannot control how other motorists drive, you can take proactive steps to avoid distractions and prioritize safety. In addition, you can pay close attention to how other motorists on the road are driving. This will help you identify potential warning signs that another motorist is driving while distracted. If you notice another driver engage in any of the following behaviors, putting distance between you and the driver can avoid an accident:
- Erratic speed changes. If you notice a driver speed up or slow down for no apparent reason, they may be distracted by a text or phone call.
- Drifting in and out of lanes. Distracted drivers are more likely to weave in and out of lanes and suddenly correct their mistakes.
- Delayed reactions to traffic signals. Drivers will often send or read a text when they are sitting at a red light or a stop sign. They may not notice the light turn green if their attention is focused on their phone.
- “Head tilt” posture. If a motorist is not using the hand-free feature, the tell-tale “head tilt” is a clear sign that they are talking on the phone, which means they are more likely to be distracted.
- Visibly multi-tasking while driving. If you are in the vicinity of a motorist who is clearly applying make-up, eating, talking on the phone, or texting, they are likely to become distracted.
- Frequent braking. This may suggest that the driver is not paying attention to the traffic flow, causing them to hit the brakes more often than necessary.
- Inconsistent use of turn signals. Distracted drivers are more likely to forget to signal or leave the signal on after they have turned.
- Lack of awareness of surroundings. When drivers are distracted, they may not notice a vehicle merging into traffic or a pedestrian crossing the road.
- Eye contact is off the road for a prolonged period of time. When a driver continues to glance in the back seat or at their lap where they are hiding their phone, their eyes and attention are off the road and not where they should be.
What Are the Consequences of Causing a Distracted Driving Accident in Georgia?
Distracted drivers can face serious penalties if they cause an accident involving serious injuries or fatalities. Depending on the accident’s circumstances and the injuries’ severity, the penalties can range from fines to a lengthy prison term. For example, if a distracted driving accident resulted in serious injuries, the distracted driver may be charged with “serious injury by vehicle,” which is a felony offense in Georgia. Penalties include fines, two to 15 years in prison, and a suspended license. If the accident resulted in fatalities, the distracted driver may be charged with “vehicular homicide,” which is also a felony. The penalty for a first-degree vehicular homicide is three to 15 years in prison. There are also insurance consequences and possible civil liability if the victim sues the at-fault driver for damages.
Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a distracted driving accident, do not hesitate to contact the Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. We will determine who is responsible for your injuries and assist you with every step of the claims process. Our dedicated legal team will pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve and ensure your legal rights are always protected. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.